2006 Ferrari F430 vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2006 Ferrari F430 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,441 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL (494 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2006 Ferrari F430. (483 HP @ 8500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2006 Ferrari F430. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 425 kg more than 2006 Ferrari F430. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL (700 Nm @ 2650 RPM) has 235 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Ferrari F430. (465 Nm @ 5250 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Ferrari F430. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2006 Ferrari F430 has manual transmission. 2006 Ferrari F430 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ferrari F430 | 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | F430 | SL |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 4308 cc | 5441 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 483 HP | 494 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8500 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 465 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5250 RPM | 2650 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 62 L |
